标签： North America

The Trump administration’s contentious trade policies are set to face a critical test as the U.S. Supreme Court prepares to hear arguments on the legality of sweeping tariffs imposed under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The case, which pits the White House against small businesses and a coalition of states, could redefine the limits of presidential power and have far-reaching implications for global trade.

The UAE property market is experiencing a transformative phase, with Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) emerging as key drivers of growth. Dubai’s real estate sector achieved unprecedented milestones in Q3 2025, recording 59,228 property transactions worth Dh170.7 billion (\$46.5 billion), a 17.2% increase in volume and 19.9% rise in value compared to the previous year. Apartments dominated the market, with 49,370 units sold for Dh94.3 billion, reflecting a 25.9% year-on-year surge. Off-plan sales accounted for over 70% of transactions, fueled by flexible payment plans and investor confidence in Dubai’s development pipeline. Despite a 30% decline in villa sales, demand remains robust in lifestyle-focused communities, with average residential prices reaching a historic Dh1,664 per sq ft. A suburban shift is evident as rising rents in central areas push residents toward emerging zones offering affordability and modern amenities. Sustainability is also reshaping buyer preferences, with developers integrating green building practices and smart home systems. Dubai’s population surpassed 4 million in September 2025, and with nearly 9,800 millionaires expected to migrate to the UAE this year, demand for quality housing is projected to remain strong. Meanwhile, RAK’s property market surged 118% year-on-year, reaching Dh15 billion in total transactions. The ValuStrat Price Index rose 13.8%, with villas appreciating 15% and apartments 13.2%. RAK’s off-plan segment dominated, accounting for 85% of freehold sales, with over 3,000 units sold worth Dh6 billion. Mega-projects like the Wynn Al Marjan Island Resort and branded residences from Ritz-Carlton and Aston Martin are reshaping the luxury landscape. Mantra Properties’ Jacob & Co Residences, launched in collaboration with the luxury brand, registered over Dh300 million in sales within 12 hours, underscoring the UAE’s dominance as a hub for branded luxury living. As the UAE advances toward its 2030 vision, both Dubai and RAK are poised to benefit from infrastructure expansion, tourism growth, and investor-friendly reforms, solidifying the country’s position as a global real estate powerhouse.

In a significant development aimed at de-escalating trade tensions, the United States and China have reached a comprehensive trade agreement that includes the easing of China’s export ban on automotive computer chips, a critical component for global car production. The White House confirmed the details of the deal in a fact sheet released after a high-profile meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and former US President Donald Trump in South Korea earlier this week. The agreement also addresses key issues such as US soybean exports, rare earth mineral supplies, and fentanyl production materials. The deal marks a turning point in the trade war between the world’s two largest economies, which began when Trump imposed tariffs on Chinese goods upon taking office, triggering retaliatory measures and global market uncertainty. Chinese Embassy spokesman Liu Pengyu emphasized the mutually beneficial nature of China-US economic relations, echoing President Xi’s call for the business relationship to remain a cornerstone of bilateral ties. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, however, expressed cautious optimism, noting China’s past unreliability as a trade partner. The agreement ensures the resumption of automotive chip exports from Nexperia, a Chinese-owned company based in the Netherlands, whose production facilities in China are crucial to global supply chains. Additionally, China has agreed to pause export controls on rare earth minerals for a year and take significant measures to address fentanyl production, a major contributor to opioid overdose deaths in the US. On the agricultural front, China has committed to purchasing substantial quantities of US soybeans, providing relief to American farmers who had lost access to their largest export market earlier this year. The deal underscores the importance of collaboration in resolving trade disputes and stabilizing global markets.

In the UAE, the legality of purchasing property with a zero percent down payment has sparked significant interest among potential buyers. While some real estate agents promote such offers, it is crucial to understand the legal framework governing these transactions. The UAE Central Bank’s mortgage regulations play a pivotal role in shaping these practices. According to Article 3 of the UAE Central Bank Regulations on Mortgage Loans (Notice No. 226/2013), buyers are required to contribute a minimum amount when financing property through a bank mortgage. For UAE nationals, the maximum Loan to Value (LTV) ratio varies based on the property’s value and purpose. For instance, first-time owner-occupiers can secure up to 85% financing for properties valued at Dh5 million or less, while expatriates are limited to 80% for the same category. For properties exceeding Dh5 million, the LTV ratios drop to 75% for nationals and 70% for expatriates. Additionally, off-plan properties are subject to a maximum LTV of 50%, reflecting the higher risks associated with such investments. These regulations make zero percent down payment offers through bank mortgages legally impermissible. However, real estate developers may offer alternative payment plans that bypass traditional mortgage structures. In such cases, buyers pay instalments directly to the developer, potentially avoiding the Central Bank’s mortgage rules. While this approach may seem appealing, buyers must exercise caution. It is essential to scrutinize the payment schedule, handover terms, and any hidden finance charges that developers might impose. Legal expert Ashish Mehta emphasizes the importance of due diligence in such transactions. As the founder of Ashish Mehta & Associates, he advises potential buyers to thoroughly understand the terms and seek professional guidance before committing to any property purchase. For further inquiries, readers can contact Khaleej Times or visit www.amalawyers.com.